MAERDY Infants School is flying their Eco Flag high above the streets.

It was with pride that parents, staff, children and special guests took part in this memorable event.

Although the school obtained eco status in November 2007, it has been a long journey to see the flag flying high.

Throughout 2007, the children and staff of the school worked extremely hard to obtain this prestigious award.

The usual route for Eco Awards is bronze, silver and then a green flag but the school managed to receive the flag as their first award, showing the commitment of all staff and children involved.

Unfortunately, the flag pole that was needed to fly the flag was too expensive to buy.

Despite numerous pleas for financial support the children thought the green flag would remain on the top of a cupboard gathering dust.

But the situation was saved by Ferndale Co-Operative store for within days the staff at the store had raised £140 to help with the cause.

The flag pole halyard and brass top was bought at once.

During the ceremony the present Eco Committee stepped down from their responsibilities and handed over their positions to the new committee from Year 1.

Everyone at Maerdy Infants School are very grateful to the staff and children who have worked towards the award, also to the caretaker who erected the flagpole for all to see and the staff and customers of the Co-Operative store in Ferndale for providing the funds needed.